Watson’s Way is a fantastic backpackers. As well as being the least expensive place we stayed at in New Zealand, it was also the cleanest. Both Pat and Paul (owners) are extremely helpful. The backpackers was purpose-built and the facilities are first-class. Our room was en-suite for NZ$18 a night each. There is free bread and jam for breakfast. The kitchen is large, modern and well equipped. We put a rack of lamb on the barbecue for dinner and ate it on the decking outside overlooking the mature gardens.
It’s also in a great location. There are 25 wineries within 5 kilometres. Renwick is a better place than Blenheim to base yourself if you are interested in touring around the vineyards. Watson’s Way supply bikes; this is the ideal way to see the wineries, as the roads are quiet and fairly flat and thus easy to cycle around even with a few glasses of wine taken.
Can't recommend Watson's Way highly enough.